Under the terms of the agreement, the stakeholders will collaborate to create opportunities for occupational training and shared learning for Emirati students seeking qualifications in the UAE’s rail industry.

The MoU was co-signed by Etihad Rail DB, the operations and maintenance joint venture (JV) for Stage One of the UAE’s national railway network.

Commenting on the aims of the MoU, Eng Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, chief executive officer of Etihad Rail, said: “The agreement is of great significance as it catalyses specialised training opportunities and vocational education for Emiratis in line with the goals of UAE’s Emiratisation policy.

“We look forward to a longstanding strategic partnership between our three entities, which will witness the academic development and professional training of our nationals for opportunities in the fast-evolving railway industry.

“The critical role of UAE nationals in driving the growth and prosperity of the rail industry from one generation to another is undeniable,” noted Al Mazrouei.

Dr Abdul Rahman Jassim Hammadi, ADVETI managing director, added: “This MoU will serve the UAE national workforce by deploying a great number of Emirati students who will join Etihad Rail as maintenance and mechanical technicians.

“In addition, our students are known for their high standard of technical knowledge and hands-on training. The main purpose of DVETI is to graduate students who are demanded by the job market according to the geographical distribution, and this project is initiated in the Western Region so that our students there will benefit by enrolling into this important programme.”

The Etihad Rail project is being delivered across three stages of development. The network will span approximately 1,200km across the UAE once complete.